(6) It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God: such are, The public worship of God: The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded: The Supper of the Lord: Family and private prayer: (7) These are the general rules of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on trulyawakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. monish him of the error of his We will ad ways. We will bear with him for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls. 3 PART II. THE RITUAL. I. THE ORDER OF BAPTISM. I. THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO INFANTS. The Minister, coming to the Font, which is to be filled with pure Water, shall use the following: DEARLY BELOVED, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Savior Christ saith, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that having, of his bounteous mercy, redeemed this child by the blood of his Son, he will grant that he, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, be received into Christ's holy 34 Church, and become a lively member of the same. Then shall the Minister say, LET US PRAY. Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy hast condescended to enter into covenant relations with man, wherein thou hast included children as partakers of its gracious benefits, declaring that of such is thy kingdom: and in thy ancient Church didst appoint divers baptisms, figuring thereby the renewing of the Holy Ghost; and by thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ gavest commandment to thy holy apostles to go into all the world and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: We beseech thee, that of thine infinite mercy thou wilt look upon this child: wash him and sanctify him; that he, being saved by thy grace, may be received into Christ's holy Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so overcome the evils of this present world, that finally he may attain to everlasting life, and reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O merciful God, grant that all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, regard, we beseech thee, our supplications. Sanctify this water for this holy sacrament; and grant that this child, |